LOS ANGELES -- Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony, who was close with Lakers star Kobe Bryant, will not play in Friday's game against Los Angeles for what the team is officially calling personal reasons.
Friday's game will be the first for the Lakers since Bryant's death, and Anthony is still feeling the emotional effects of his tragic passing last week.
"I respect [Anthony's decision to sit out]. I know him and Kobe had a great relationship," Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard told USA Today Sports. "It's something he was not ready to face and deal with.